About My Book

The idea for my book came to me when I was sitting on a bench along the Boardwalk’s Music Pier in Ocean City, New Jersey.

I had booked a few days stay hoping to relax on the beach since the weather was supposed to be good. But Mother Nature had another idea. The weather took a turn for the worse and we were to have three days of rain instead of sun.

As I sat on the bench I was muttering to myself about how the trip was going to be a waste of money. The skies were cloudy but as I looked up I saw a bright patch of blue. Within a few seconds, rays of sunshine appeared out of the cloudy muck of haze. Ahh, I thought. I asked out loud, “I guess I am not here to relax in the sun so what is the purpose of my being here?” I heard a voice, as if it was coming from above say, “You’re going to write a book about your job as a lunch lady.” My son was with me and I said to him “I just heard a voice that said I’m going to write a book about my job as a lunch lady.” My son said, “Good, you could do that.”

I remember being struck at how clear and matter of fact the voice spoke. I thought, Ok, but I am not a writer, but then I am not the kind of girl to let that stop me. Over the years I have said many times, “I ought to write a book” because strange, funny and emotional things have happened to me over the years, but I never took those words seriously until that moment. It was as if it was certain and divinely inspired.

My book started out as a non-fiction book about how and why I became a lunch lady. I’ve collected stories from other lunch ladies for four years to put in the book. The non-fiction book would be my story and their stories. But, advice from other people to whom I shared what I had written, said “It could be so much more and appeal to a broader audience.” I was asked “Do you want to publish the book to a smaller audience, mostly lunch ladies and get the book done, or do you want to appeal to a much broader audience and have a much longer journey in completing the book?” I was mulling over the decision when a close friend said “Would you regret not doing a book that would appeal to a broader audience and working on it longer?” Good question! Of course I want no regrets. I’m a no regrets kind of girl. Decision made. Thank you my friend for the question.

My book is now a creative non-fiction so I could have fun with it! Our lunch lady stories are blended throughout the text, as vignettes before a chapter or at the end. Some of you lunch ladies will say, “That happened to me too.” I hope while reading my book the reader will laugh, cry and think “I never thought about it that way.” That’s the goal for all writers, to present words in an entertaining thought-provoking style. I am slowly starting to believe I am a writer. Good writer? Time will tell.

Ode to the Lunch Lady - Submitted Jane Broberg

We toil and sweat in the middle school kitchen.With laughter, tears, and even some bitchin...Is it the generous pay you ask?Why heavens no, please pass the flask.

We ove our jobs for many a reason.But #1 is the summertime season!The smells, the clatter and constant chatterAnd the children's smiles are what really matter.

Ovens wafting with the smell of homemade bread,Or do you prefer the aroma of chocolate chip cookies instead?Chicken nuggets, spaghetti and sloppy Joes,To find out kitchen, just follow your nose.

The government would like to spoil our fun,Their ever changing rules have us under the gun.What temp did you say the pizza should be?What size scoop goes in the peas?

Bruises, cuts and too many burns,When it comes to these we all take turns,Shredded fingernails and aching feet,Without these, our day wouldn't be complete.We feel we have the best job there could ever be,Because we work with such wonderful ladies you see!

Submitted to me by someone who wished to be anonymous.

We love the hairnets, the aprons and smiles.The meals that you cook keep us going for miles.Buts it's not just the meals; it's your kindness and care.We think you are wonderful and love the meals you prepare.Submitted by: Room M101